A young Sunderland side played out a 0-0 draw with Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday evening at Prenton Park.
In a contest of little chances on Merseyside, Dan Neil went closest for the Black Cats.
Liam Feeney tested Anthony Patterson soon after, but neither side could apply the finishing touch in the Lads’ penultimate friendly.
Lee Johnson named a youthful side at Prenton Park, with Will Grigg, Bailey Wright and Aiden O’Brien the only senior players.
Neil once again anchored the midfield alongside Sam Wilding, with Jack Diamond and Ellis Taylor supporting Grigg and O’Brien in attack.
Former Sunderland man Callum McManaman started for the Super White Army, following his arrival back in July.
There was little in the way of action in the first half, with neither side able to test the opposing goalkeeper.
O’Brien carved the first opportunity for the Lads 25 minutes in when he teed up Neil on the edge of the area, but Joe Murphy parried to safety.
And it took until the 42nd minute for Patterson to be tested, as he held on to Liam Feeney’s fizzing half-volley.
Josh Hawkes and Harrison Sohna were introduced at the halfway stage, and it was the former who created the best chance on the hour mark.
His inch-perfect pass found O’Brien one-on-one, but the ‘keeper raced out to block.
A number of substitutes were introduced in the final 20 minutes and neither side could create any rhythm, as it ended in a stalemate.
Next up for Sunderland is Hull City on Friday night, for their final pre-season friendly of the summer.
Sunderland: Patterson, Richardson, Wright (Almond 79’), Younger, Dyce (Hawkes 45’), Taylor (Newall 86’), Wilding, Neil (Sohna 45’), Diamond, Grigg (Grigg 71’), O’Brien
Subs not used: Carney